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Alcazar Garden
Originally designed in formal Spanish style, this sheltered retreat was created as Montezuma Garden for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. Seclusion was enhanced by a leafy eucalyptus forest beyond the south walls. A step into this enclosed garden removed visitors from the bustle of the fair and provided a unique perspective of the majestic California Tower. Walkways divided the space into smaller flower beds than seen today and the garden was encircled by ornate streetlamps. The Greek-inspired Doric pergola dates from 1915 and was designed by Frank P. Allen, Jr. (1881-1943), Director of Words for the Exposition. As now,
there were colorful and changing displays of flowering plants.
The garden was revitalized when Balboa Park hosted a second San Diego workd's fair, the 1935-36 California Pacific International Exposition. Richard Requa (1881-1941), Master Architect for the Exposition, introduced a Hispano-Moresque landscape style and a new name, Alcazar Garden. Geometric formality was retained but walkways were simplified to create larger flower beds edged with clipped box hedges. Moorish fountains and benches were placed at the center garden axis and ornamented with brightly hued California-made tiles. Alcazar Garden gained National Historic Landmark status in 1988.
This garden is unique in Southern California. Inspired directly by the 14 th century Royal Alcazar Gardens of Seville, Spain, the design refines centuries of experience in the judicious use of water as an adornment to the enclosed garden. Alcazar Garden provides visitors with a cultural touchstone reaching back to the gardens of ancient Arabia, Persia, North Africa and Moorish Spain. |